Benidorm Bliss: Halley Hotel & Apartments (Melia Affiliated) - Your Costa Blanca Escape!
Benidorm Bliss? Or Benidorm Blah? My Truth About the Halley Hotel & Apartments (Melia Affiliated)!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on the Halley Hotel & Apartments in Benidorm. The promise of "Costa Blanca Escape" sounds lovely, right? Well, let's see if it actually delivered. I'll level with you: I have opinions. And sometimes, those opinions are as chaotic as a Spanish fiesta.
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- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of the Halley Hotel & Apartments in Benidorm! We dive into accessibility, food, fun, and the whole vibe. Is it a blissful escape or a holiday headache? Find out! Includes details on amenities, Wi-Fi, dining, safety, and more!
- Category: Travel, Hotels, Reviews, Spain, Benidorm
Let's Get Down to Brass Tacks (and Maybe a Little Bit of Sangria):
First off, the name "Halley Hotel & Apartments" is a mouthful. I'm just going to say "Halley" from here on out.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, to be Frank.
Right, so the accessibility. This is where things got…interesting. They say they're set up for disabled guests, right? Plenty of it is in the check off list. There's an elevator, which is mandatory these days. Elevator's good. But let's not make this sound like the entire universe is ready to wheel you around.
- Wheelchair Accessible: Check. Elevators are a must, and they have them. Now, getting around the hotel itself might be a different story. We'll get there.
- Facilities for disabled guests: They claim to have it. But how well it actually works in practice? You definitely need to triple-check your needs with the hotel before you arrive. I'm talking specific room requests and everything.
- Access: Front desk is 24-hour, and there's a doorman. That helps. But the devil is in the details.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Big Fat "Maybe".
I saw various restaurants onsite, but whether they were actually truly accessible, or more a case of "we say this is", well, that requires getting into the space. Again, call ahead and ask specific questions. The devil is in the details, and I didn't test them.
Rooms & Amenities: Luxury? Not Exactly.
- Available in all rooms: Pretty standard stuff here: Air conditioning (thank god!), Alarm clock, Coffee/tea maker, Hair dryer. The basics are there. But don't expect a jacuzzi tub or anything too fancy.
- Air conditioning: Essential in Benidorm. Trust me.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! Although, let's be real, it wasn't always the fastest. Enough to stream, but don't expect to download a movie in five seconds.
- Internet access – LAN: I saw the little ports in the walls, but who even uses that anymore? Unless you're a techie from the 90s…
- Additional toilet: Always a bonus!
The Great Wi-Fi Debate - or, "When the Internet Betrays You":
Okay, internet. They advertise "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" And, technically, it was. Mostly. But sometimes, it was like trying to connect to a dial-up modem in 2001. I mean, I tried to upload a picture of my breakfast paella to Instagram, and it took, like, five minutes. Five minutes! In internet time, that's an eternity! You start to feel like you're living in the dark ages. Seriously, hotel, if the Wi-Fi is shaky, just be upfront about it! Don't promise the internet and then make me want to smash my phone against the wall!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Promises, Promises…
- Swimming Pool: Okay, the outdoor pool was the saving grace. Beautiful, panoramic views. Yes, it was the reason I booked it, and it did not disappoint. And you could even get a cocktail!
- Pool with view: Yes, the pool had a lovely view. See above.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: I'm not a gym rat, but I peeped in. It looked…well, like a gym. Machines, weights. Nothing to write home about, but it's there.
- Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: They have a spa. I'm going to admit I didn't actually go to the spa. I'm more of a "poolside with a book and a beer" kind of girl.
- Massage: Available, but didn't experience it. Sigh.
Cleanliness & Safety: Pandemic Era Stuff
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Individually-wrapped food options, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Staff trained in safety protocol: All the usual suspects for the post-Covid world. Made me feel relatively safe. Because let's be honest, you're still breathing the same air as everyone else.
- Cashless payment service, Sterilizing equipment: Good.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Well, that's the theory. Reality can be a little… crowded, especially around the pool.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Essential.
- Hygiene certification: More reassurance.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Stomach's Perspective
- Restaurants: There's an assortment. A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: They've got a lot of options.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The breakfast buffet was… fine. Standard hotel buffet fare. Eggs, bacon, pastries. Nothing to get too excited about, but it fills the hole.
- Poolside bar: Essential for a Benidorm holiday. Their cocktails were decent, and the convenience was gold.
- Happy hour: Yes! I approve.
A Rambling Digression About the Breakfast Buffet - Or, My War with the Scrambled Eggs:
Okay, the breakfast buffet deserves its own section, honestly. The sheer volume of food was impressive. Mountains of pastries! An army of sausages! But the scrambled eggs… shudders. They were… well, let's just say they had the texture of rubberized playdough. I attempted to eat them on attempt number one, and they defied all attempts to chew, so I gave up on the eggs. This is one of those things where I feel like they try, but fail pretty bad So I stuck to the safe, carb-heavy options. The croissants were alright, I'll give them that. But the eggs? Never again.
Services and Conveniences: The Perks (and the Perks That Weren't So Perky)
- Concierge: Always helpful when you need a taxi or recommendations.
- Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service: Good if you’re trying to look somewhat presentable.
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent!
- Currency exchange, Cash withdrawal: Handy.
- Luggage storage: Always appreciated.
- Food delivery: Good if you are feeling lazy and just want to stay in your room.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Convenient.
For the Kids: Family Matters
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Saw plenty of families. The kids seemed happy. They've got the facilities.
Getting Around: Taxi!
- Airport transfer, Taxi service: Yep.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Parking. Always a bonus in Benidorm!
The Verdict: Is Benidorm Bliss Possible at the Halley?
Okay, so here's the deal. The Halley is… alright. It’s a solid choice if you're looking for a Benidorm base. It's got the basics, a decent pool, and the staff were generally helpful.
But it's not going to blow your mind.
The internet issues were a pain (seriously, fix the Wi-
Charleston Getaway: Candlewood Suites Ashley Phosphate Luxury!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is my Benidorm itinerary, and it's gonna be a glorious, sunburnt, slightly chaotic mess. We're talking Halley Hotel & Apartments Affiliated by Melia – Costa Blanca, Spain. Let's see if I can keep it vaguely coherent…
Day 1: Arrival & "Oh Sweet Merciful God, That Sun!"
- 10:00 AM (ish) - The Journey Begins (and the Budget Begins to Cry): Flight from [Mumbled departure city, let's just say anywhere north of sensible sunshine]. The flight itself? A blur of lukewarm coffee, questionable airplane food that somehow tasted less appealing than usual, and the silent, shared anxiety of the person beside me who kept touching their forehead like, "Am I sick? Will I actually get there?" We’re gonna need a bigger suitcase for the aftermath of that. Airport transfer booked… or so I thought. Turns out, the “shared shuttle” is more like a cattle car with a driver who takes “scenic route” a little too seriously.
- 1:00 PM (ish) - Halley Hotel, Halo of Relief?: The air conditioning hit me like a slap in the face (in the best way possible) the second I stepped through the Halley doors. Check-in? Fine, perfectly fine. The receptionist’s smile? A little… too perfect. Starting to suspect this could be a front for a robot overlord plot. The apartment? Surprisingly spacious. I had budgeted for a broom closet. This is… okay, I'm digging it. Especially the balcony.
- 2:00 PM (ish) - Balcony Bliss & Panic (and the discovery that I left the suncream at home): Sat on the balcony, sunglasses on, feeling like I was finally breathing again. The view? Not the ocean, sadly. But the pool? Amazing. And the other balconies are crowded with people. Suddenly, a wave of dread washed over me. I left the sunscreen… at home. I did this. Cue the mental breakdown.
- 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM- The Sunscreen Panic: After a frantic search of every crevice of my luggage and every braincell, I headed out. The nearest shop in the midday sun was a burning hell. Luckily, the vendor spoke just enough English. Found sunscreen! SPF 50! Hallelujah. But I now look like a lobster. Also bought a hat. And a pair of sunglasses that are probably the wrong shape for my face, but whatever, sun is the enemy!
- 4:00 PM - 6.00 PM - Poolside Predicament: The POOL! I spent the next two hours slathering myself in sunscreen, attempting to read, failing miserably because I was too busy judging everyone else's swimwear. A small child, bless him, kept throwing a ball at my head. The pool bar beckoned. A cold beer beckoned more. Let the relaxation commence… or at least, the attempt. Managed to spill half said beer down my front. Fantastic.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner Debacle: Okay. Deep breaths. Dinner. Found a restaurant near the hotel recommended by "TripAdvisor". "Authentic Spanish tapas experience". More like "Tourist Trap Tapas Torture", and the sangria tasted like dish soap. The paella? Overcooked rice and bland seafood. I'm starting to suspect this trip is secretly a test of my resilience. Ate most of it anyway.
- 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM - Balcony Reflections (and pre-emptive sunburn soothing): Back on the balcony. Slathered in aloe vera gel. Reflecting on the day. Mild sunburn. Potential food poisoning. But hey, I'm in Benidorm! And tomorrow… tomorrow we conquer the beach! (And hopefully find better food.)
Day 2: Beach Bumming & Beach Bumming (and More Beach Bumming)
- 9:00 AM (ish) - The Beach, The Beach, The Beach: After a decent (ish) breakfast, I headed to the famous Playa de Levante. Honestly? It's… crowded. I mean, really crowded. But the sand is glorious, and the water is that crystal clear blue that makes you forget all the other people for a moment.
- 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM- The Great Sun Bathing: I staked my territory, threw down my towel, and spent the next few hours… doing absolutely nothing. Reading a book (sorta) while people-watching. This is the life. Sunbathing, swimming, and the occasional ice cream breaks. Bliss. The ocean's a salty delight.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM - Lunch by the Sea, Sort Of: Found a "chiringuito" (beach bar) for lunch. Again, probably touristy, but the seafood paella was significantly better than last night's culinary crime against paella. Still, the relentless sun made me a little dizzy.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM - More Beach, More People, More Sun: Back to the beach! More swimming, more sunbathing. More judging of the ever evolving swimwear. This time, the sunburn really started to kick in. This is the first time I have had to move places due to the sun. Time to retreat from the direct sun to more shade.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Post-Beach Recovery: Showered, changed. Soothed my poor skin with aloe vera (again). The balcony offers a cool breeze.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00PM - Pre-Dinner Relaxation: A well-deserved pre-dinner nap (needed!).
- 8:00 PM - Dinner Adventure: Trying a restaurant in the old town tonight, fingers crossed for better results!
- 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM - Old Town Wanderings: Explored Benidorm's old town, got lost in the narrow alleys, and discovered a tapas bar that actually delivered (FINALLY!). The atmosphere? Electric!
- 11:00 PM - Back To The Hotel: One last drink at the hotel bar. Trying to figure out how to survive tomorrow's trip.
Day 3: Day Trip Disaster (and a Moment of Glorious Beauty)
- 9:00 AM (ish) - Day Trip? Today's the day for a trip to [insert day trip destination, like Valencia, or Guadalest]. I will spend the whole day getting on a bus or a train or getting lost (and finding a way back).
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - The Journey Begins (Again): Getting to the destination. Usually, the journey’s longer than expected.
- 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM - The Day Trip: Seeing the sights, getting tired, and buying a trinket only to regret it later. I will try to enjoy the sun and the places.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM - Retreat: Leaving the sights for the hotel.
- 8:00 PM - Dinner: Eating again.
- 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM - Rest Of The Night: Usually the night will either bring: More wandering, more drinks, or just early sleep.
Day 4- [Insert Name of the Remaining Days]: (More Chaos Awaits!)
- These days involve:
- More beach time (always).
- Exploring the town (and getting lost).
- Trying to learn some basic Spanish (failing miserably).
- Attempting to master the art of the siesta (progress is slow).
- Random encounters with eccentric characters (inevitable).
- Hopefully, some actually good food.
- And enough memories to last a lifetime (or at least, a few months until I book the next trip!).
Important Notes (AKA, Things I'm Sure to Screw Up):
- Sunscreen is your religion: Reapply constantly. Seriously.
- Hydration is key: Drink water, drink water, drink water. And then maybe a sangria.
- Learn a few basic Spanish phrases: It'll save you a lot of awkward pointing and gesticulating.
- Embrace the chaos: This is Benidorm. It's supposed to be slightly bonkers.
- Don't be afraid to wander: Get lost. Discover hidden gems. That's the best part.
- Most Important: Remember to HAVE FUN!
So, there you have it. My brutally honest, slightly unhinged Benidorm itinerary. Wish Me Luck! (And send extra aloe vera.)
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Benidorm Bliss: Halley Hotel & Apartments (Melia Affiliated) - Your Costa Blanca Escape?! ... Well, Let's See...
Okay, Okay, So... What *Actually* Is the Halley Hotel & Apartments Like? The REAL Dirt!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't some glossy brochure! The Halley is... a bit of an experience. It's kinda your classic, slightly worn-at-the-edges Benidorm joint. Think of it as your slightly-too-loud uncle who always cracks the same jokes but still means well. It's affiliated with Melia, which, I'll be honest, I *thought* would mean luxury. Nope. It means they know how to charge you for decent Wi-Fi. (And honestly, the signal was spotty. Grrr!)
The apartments? Spacious. Potentially too spacious. I swear, I spent half my time just trying to find my way to the kettle. They've got balconies – crucial for that sunset gin and tonic, darling. The furnishings? Let's just say they haven't been updated since, say, the last time I wore a shell suit out in public... which was... a very long time ago, okay?!
My personal lowlight? The lift. Dear god, the lift. I swear, it spent more time stuck between floors than actually carrying people. One time, I was crammed in there with a very grumpy German couple and a rogue inflatable flamingo. Pure Benidorm comedy gold. Mostly gold. Except when you're sweating and praying you can breathe.
Are the Apartments Actually *Good*? Or Just... Spacious?
Okay, "good" is a strong word. "Functional" is probably more accurate. They're definitely *spacious*. We're talking enough room to do a conga line, let alone unpack your suitcase. Kitchens are... well, they *have* kitchens. Don't expect Michelin-star equipment. Think basic, perfect for making toast and hiding from the sun on the balcony.
The best part? The balcony. Seriously. Get a balcony overlooking the pool. You can watch the drama unfold (and believe me, there *will* be drama) from the comfort of your own sunlounger. Just don't expect high-end luxury. Think more "budget-friendly escape with a view and the potential for some serious sunbathing." And I should know... I got a brutal sunburn.
The main thing is: they're *clean*. And honestly, after a long day of tapas and Sangria, that's all I really cared about. Well, that and wifi, obviously.
What About the Pool Area? Is it Actually Blissful?
Blissful? Define "blissful." It's *busy*, let's put it that way. Sunbeds are a competitive sport. You'll need to get up at the crack of dawn (or, you know, when the sun starts poking its head over the buildings around 8:30AM) and claim your territory with a towel. The classic.
The pool itself? Fine. Clean enough, big enough to bob about in, and the kids seem to love it. You'll hear them constantly, because, well, kids. The pool bar is where the real magic happens. Or at least, where the cocktails flow. I might have had a few too many mojitos one afternoon. Don't judge me! Benidorm is a siren song.
Look, it's what you expect. A typical holiday pool environment. It's not the Four Seasons. It's Benidorm. embrace and enjoy.
The Food! Dish the Dirt! Is It Edible?!
Okay, so the Halley doesn't have a massive restaurant scene. You won't be experiencing gourmet delights here, my friends. You'll have to fend for yourself. The good news? Benidorm is LOADED with restaurants, from your classic British breakfasts serving the full works to Spanish tapas joints where your tastebuds will go crazy.
There is a small bar/café on-site, which serves snacks and drinks. They are fine. Acceptable. Convenient for a quick burger after a long day sunbathing. It's not going to win any culinary awards, but hey, you're not there for the Michelin stars, are you?
My tip? Explore! Get out there, explore the streets of Benidorm! Don't miss out on the local tapas scenes in the old town. You will definitely find something to suit your palette!
Location, Location, Location! Is It Convenient?
The location? Pretty darn good. It's not slap-bang in the middle of the crazy nightlife, which is actually a *good* thing, because you can get a bit of sleep. it's far enough to avoid the all the noise. You’re close enough to the beaches. A nice stroll. And, crucially, close to all the bars and restaurants. A five minute walk to get a pint.
You're in the Levante area, which is the livelier part of town. Think lots of shops, restaurants, and entertainment. I'd definitely recommend it if you want a good base to see Benidorm without being completely consumed by it. Walking distance to everything, even for my dodgy knee after the lift incident.
Anything *Actually* Go Wrong? (Be Honest!)
Where do I begin?! Okay, the wifi was terrible. Seriously, Melia, get your act together! Couldn't stream a single episode of my guilty pleasure (Love Island, shhh!). And that lift... I already mentioned the lift, right? Still have PTSD from it.
Also, I had a moment with the air conditioning that made me convinced I would be frozen forever (there might have been a bit of a language barrier, I confess). The room cleaning was a little... inconsistent. One day the towels were replaced, the next, they were still the same ones I'd been using to mop up after my mojito "accident."
And, I swear, one of the fire alarms went off at 3 am. Turns out it was a false alarm. I was NOT amused, especially because I’d been looking forward to a lie-in. But hey, you know... Benidorm. It's an adventure.
Would You Go Back? The Million Dollar Question!
Hmm... That's a tough one. Honestly? Yeah, probably. Despite the wonky lift, the dodgy wifi, and the occasional alarm malfunction, I had a good time. It's affordable, it'Hotel Near Airport
